“He is not here: for He is risen, as he said… Go quickly,and tell His disciples….” (Matt.28:6-7)

Suddenly, all the sorrow and grief of an agonizing death ona cross was transformed into the joy and triumph of anempty grave. Everlasting HOPE was born in the heart ofevery believer that day. No crisis, condition orcircumstance is beyond the attention, change and repair ofa miracle - working God. Christ’s conquest of deathassures us of ultimate victory. What a refreshing messagefor each of us! But how does HOPE happen in our dailyliving?

HEARING

Hope begins with listening to what God is saying. Theangel relayed the message, then added, “as He said…” ByGod’s Word we learn of the Lord and His will for us. We dothree things when we listen carefully. (1) We receive whatGod is saying. (2) We record the message (write it downsomewhere for future reference) and (3) We rely upon Hiscounsel. Christian HOPE begins with hearing and leads usto:

OPPORTUNITY

The resurrection of Christ was great news for His followersbut the message was for the whole world. The angel wasfaithful to communicate, “GO QUICKLY AND TELL HISDISCIPLES”; who in turn were “to teach all nations”. (Matt.28:19)

Jesus spoke of doors as chances for our choices. “I am thedoor by me if any man enter in he shall be saved, and shallgo in and out and find pasture”. (John 10:9) What awonderful occasion for anyone to begin a brand new life ledby our living Lord Jesus. An incredible opportunity forsalvation but there are also opportunities for servingChrist. The Apostle Paul tells us in II Cor. 2:12,“Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’sgospel, a door was opened unto me of the Lord”. With God,life is one opportunity after another. There is no boredomin obedience. HOPE with God is hearing, followed byopportunity that leads us to:

PROVISION

It’s wise to count the cost of any undertaking. (Luke14:26-33) First, can we meet the Lord’s requirements? Ifwe are willing to pay God’s price, He will resource ourprojects, wisdom, supply, help and timing are never aproblem with God”. But my God shall supply all your needaccording to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 4:19) “My Grace is sufficient for thee…” (IICor. 12:9) This leads us to a fourth ingredient in HOPE:

EXPECTANCY

We anticipate divine results as we face the demands oflife. Our God is in the resurrection business. “For withGod nothing shall be impossible”. (Luke 1:37) Rememberthe story of the lengthy drought in a normally productivefarming community. Clouds came and went without droppingrain. People were becoming desperate. Finally a preacherin town called for a mass prayer meeting in the localarena. The day came with well-over a thousand people inattendance. The preacher got up to lead the meeting,looked over the crowd and said, “Not one of you brought anumbrella”. “Faith without works is dead”. (James 2:20)

How do you spell HOPE? HEARING, OPPORTUNITY, PROVISION,EXPECTANCY.

Be sure and celebrate with us on Good Friday at 10:30 a.m.and on EASTER at 10:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Family SundaySchool for everyone at 9:30 a.m.